Varanasi Independent Adventure

A perfect add-on to any trip to India, explore the mystical and holy Hindu city of Varanasi. Take memorable sunset and sunrise boat trips down the Ganges River and be enthralled by the thousands of devotees who come to the banks of the river to absolve themselves of their sins. Witness the bathing ghats and centuries-old temples, and explore the narrow winding lanes in search of exquisite silks, brassware, and stunning saris. Also visit Sarnath, known as the birthplace of Buddhism and the site of the enlightened Buddha’s first sermon.

What's Included

Arrival transfer. Varanasi city tour. Sunset and sunrise boat trip on the holy Ganges River. Guided excursion to Sarnath. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Cruise the Ganges River and observe local traditions and rituals, explore Varanasi’s Old City and marvel at its ghats, see where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon

Itinerary Notes

Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 13, 2017 or March 2, 2018 for the nation’s most colourful festival.

An arrival transfer is included in this tour. Our driver/local operator will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area.

**Please note, the arrival transfer included occurs on Day 1 of the tour. If you plan to arrive prior to Day 1, you will be required to arrange pre-tour accommodation through G Adventures to be eligible for the transport from the airport. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.

As of 2017, India is now offering E-Visas for most nationalities. Please visit the link below for further information and to apply:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

As there are many fake websites, please only use the above to apply for your E-Visa and for any additional information.

Please use the start hotel of your tour as a reference for your visa application. Contact us or your travel agent if you need further information.

**Please note that visas for India are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in.

Optional Activities

No optional activities

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 2 years for this trip.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

PRODUCT_LINE: TAHVIC, ID: 24515

Itinerary

Day 1: Varanasi

Varanasi is the quintessential Indian holy city, where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn, or to die.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day
Meet and Greet Hotel Welcome Meeting

Transport:
Private Vehicle

Day 2: Varanasi (1B)

Varanasi is a pure vegetarian town – no eggs, meat, fish, or alcohol is allowed (within a certain distance of the river Ganges). Opt to visit Chaat Gali, a street of vendors selling the spiciest chaat (savoury snack) in the state. A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without tasting paan — it is the perfect end to any meal and comes in many varieties – stuffed with gulkhand (rose petal preserve), cardamom, or grated coconut.

Included Activities:
City Tour
Sarnath Visit
Evening Ganges Boat Tour

Transport:
Cycle rickshaw

Day 3: Varanasi (1B)

Get up early for a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges and observe the dawn rituals of bathing and burial. Tour ends upon return to the hotel.